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Drivers reminded of school zones

Motorists in the South Peace are going to have to adjust their speeds when driving through school zones this week. School begins Sept. 1 for students in the area which means school zones will be in effect. Slow down or prepare to pay.
RANDY VANDERVEEN/SPECIAL TO THE HERALD-TRIBUNE

School zones are back in effect as thousands of children are starting a new school year this week.

The Government of Alberta is reminding drivers to be extra cautious on the road as more than 700,000 Alberta students are returning to class, and almost half of them will be riding about 6,000 school buses.

“Drivers need to remember to put the brakes on in school zones and around buses. Heading back to school is an exciting time for kids. Parents and educators should talk to them about road safety so they understand their role in safely getting to school and home at the end of the day,” said Minister of Transportation Brian Mason.

Motorists can help prevent collisions by sharing the road and being extra cautious in school zones and around buses. Children may be getting on and off buses
and crossing the road in school zones, where lowered speed limits are in effect during school hours.

During the 2014-15 school year, more than 40% of drivers involved in collisions with school buses committed an error – the most common of which was following too closely.

Facts

- School buses in Alberta travel an estimated 450,000 kilometres a day – that’s more than 10 times around the Earth.

- The penalty for failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights is $543 and six demerit points.

- Alternating flashing amber lights means a school bus is slowing down to stop, and drivers should do the same.